From the Research
Carcinoma is a specific type of cancer, not a different disease, and it refers to cancers that begin in epithelial tissues, which line the internal organs, skin, and glands. Cancer is the broad term for a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that can invade or spread to other parts of the body. According to the most recent definition of cancer, cancer is a disease of uncontrolled proliferation by transformed cells subject to evolution by natural selection 1. This definition captures the essence of the majority of previous and current definitions, and it modernizes the definition to include the genetic and epigenetic changes that accumulate within a population of cancer cells that lead to the lethal phenotype. Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer, accounting for approximately 80-90% of all cancer cases. Examples of carcinomas include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Other major categories of cancer include sarcomas (arising from connective tissues like bone or muscle), lymphomas (from immune system cells), leukemias (from blood-forming tissues), and melanomas (from pigment-producing cells). Understanding this distinction is important because treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific type of cancer, though all cancers involve abnormal cell growth and division at their core.
Some key points to consider when differentiating between carcinoma and other types of cancer include:
- The origin of the cancer cells: Carcinoma arises from epithelial tissues, while other types of cancer arise from different types of tissues.
- The characteristics of the cancer cells: Carcinoma cells are typically characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and the ability to invade and spread to other parts of the body.
- The treatment approaches: Treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific type of cancer, and understanding the distinction between carcinoma and other types of cancer is important for developing effective treatment strategies. As noted in a study on liquid biopsy for breast cancer and other solid tumors, liquid biopsy using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been reported to be less invasive and effective for comprehensive genetic analysis of heterogeneous solid tumors 2. This technology has the potential to improve our understanding of cancer and to develop more effective treatment strategies.
In terms of diagnosis and management, current treatments for lung carcinoma require morphologic, immunohistochemical, and/or genotypical subtyping of non-small cell lung carcinoma 3. Standardized classification of cytology and small biopsy specimens, immunohistochemical algorithms, and predictive biomarker testing guidelines have been developed to meet these objectives. A study on the significance of lung biopsy for the definitive diagnosis of lung nodules in breast cancer patients found that lung biopsy was crucial for making a definitive diagnosis and modifying the treatment strategy, which may improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients 4.
Overall, understanding the distinction between carcinoma and other types of cancer is important for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. By recognizing the unique characteristics of carcinoma and other types of cancer, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans that take into account the specific needs and characteristics of each patient.